tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9577224469809742942014-10-02T23:11:40.912-05:00Texans Against Hungerjchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-91699501951637031722010-09-28T14:11:00.007-05:002010-09-28T14:27:41.396-05:00Video: The Real Cost of SNAP CutsCongress is considering cutting future food stamps benefits for Texas families to fund a child nutrition bill -- robbing Peter to feed Peter's kids! <div><br /></div><div>The cut will roll back a 13% increase to the program enacted in last year's stimulus bill. This short video shows the real-life impact of those cuts:<br /><br /><object width="420" height="320" class="BLOG_video_class" id="BLOG_video-e9ebcd0bb5f13cca" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/get_player"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="flashvars" value="flvurl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3De9ebcd0bb5f13cca%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dblogger%26app%3Dblogger%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%3Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1440580606%26sparams%3Dip,ipbits,expire,id,itag,source%26signature%3D96F754AD46A9EBB0945049FC99467001CEC7B1FA.77AD172C623C7C9EEA692EB50128EDA4AB892C29%26key%3Dck2&amp;iurl=http://video.google.com/ThumbnailServer2?app%3Dblogger%26contentid%3De9ebcd0bb5f13cca%26offsetms%3D5000%26itag%3Dw160%26sigh%3D9GHMcaVwEPRVCluCbke5tQbSPQ4&amp;autoplay=0&amp;ps=blogger"><embed src="//www.youtube.com/get_player" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="320" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="flvurl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3De9ebcd0bb5f13cca%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dblogger%26app%3Dblogger%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%3Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1440580606%26sparams%3Dip,ipbits,expire,id,itag,source%26signature%3D96F754AD46A9EBB0945049FC99467001CEC7B1FA.77AD172C623C7C9EEA692EB50128EDA4AB892C29%26key%3Dck2&iurl=http://video.google.com/ThumbnailServer2?app%3Dblogger%26contentid%3De9ebcd0bb5f13cca%26offsetms%3D5000%26itag%3Dw160%26sigh%3D9GHMcaVwEPRVCluCbke5tQbSPQ4&autoplay=0&ps=blogger" allowFullScreen="true" /></object><br /><br />The photos show the average daily food stamps benefit for a Texas family of four ($16.65), and the effect of the cut. The final photo shows the food that will be taken away from hungry families EACH DAY following the cut.</div><div><br />YOU can still make a difference! <a href="http://j.mp/aLwwzq">Tell Congress</a> to pass a child nutrition bill, now or in the lame duck session, that doesn't cut food stamps!</div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-12135975459721809602010-09-27T14:24:00.001-05:002010-09-27T14:26:12.447-05:00Watch and Take Action Now!<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyODU2MTU1OTA4NzUmcHQ9MTI4NTYxNTU5NzY1NiZwPTY2OTMwMSZkPSZnPTImbz1jZmRjZTEwNDY1NmE*ZGY2YTAz/NGE2NjYyYjdlOTc3MyZvZj*w.gif" /><object classid='clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000'id='Call2Action_Widget' width='336' height='280'codebase='http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab'><param name='movie' value='http://c2a-common.s3.amazonaws.com/Call2Action_Widget.swf' /><param name='FlashVars' value='&c2aXML=http://c2a-common.s3.amazonaws.com/c2aw266.xml&tubeloc=amazon' /><param name='quality' value='high' /><param name='bgcolor' value='#FFFFFF' /> <param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always' /><param name='wmode' value='transparent'/><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><embed src='http://c2a-common.s3.amazonaws.com/Call2Action_Widget.swf' FlashVars='&c2aXML=http://c2a-common.s3.amazonaws.com/c2aw266.xml&tubeloc=amazon' quality='high' bgcolor='#FFFFFF'width='336' height='280' name='Call2Action_Widget' align='middle'play='true'loop='false'quality='high'wmode='transparent'allowFullScreen='true'allowScriptAccess='always'type='application/x-shockwave-flash'pluginspage='http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer'></embed></object>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-86909812267717365892009-11-25T09:51:00.011-06:002009-11-25T11:20:43.440-06:00How to *Really* Help End Hunger This Thanksgiving<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/Sw1de6SAH9I/AAAAAAAAAvY/w6MWVpGsVUY/s1600/Rockwell_FreedomFromWant.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/Sw1de6SAH9I/AAAAAAAAAvY/w6MWVpGsVUY/s320/Rockwell_FreedomFromWant.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408081513164054482" /></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">[picture: Norman Rockwell's "Freedom from Want"]</span></i><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow, as Texans sit down to a delicious meal of turkey and trimmings, many of us will feel a familiar pang in our stomachs: guilt. Yes, there's nothing like a bountiful meal with loved ones to remind us not just how blessed we are, but how many go without. <div><br /></div><div>On cue, a chorus of news media and state statistics converge to validate that gnawing feeling. Last week, the <a href="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/us/july-dec09/hunger_11-24.html">USDA revealed </a>that more Americans are struggling with hunger than at any point since the government started measuring the problem. Even worse, we learned that Texas is now the second hungriest state, right after beleaguered, swampy Mississippi.</div><div><br /></div><div>As if the holidays weren't stressful enough. </div><div><br /></div><div>Faced with a pile of steaming mashed potatoes, saucy gravy and succulent bird, we find ourselves in a true ethical dilemma. What can be done about such a big problem?</div><div><br /></div><div>Many consider volunteering at local soup line. After all, there's no greater reward than physically handing food to someone in need, and <a href="http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/10256/obama-administration-calls-on-americans-to-help-fight-hunger">President Obama recommends it</a>. But while food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries need volunteers all year long, at this time of year <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/22/nyregion/22critic.html">you'll probably have to take a number</a>. Can you end hunger just by taking someone else's slot?</div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, there are a number of things your family <b>can</b> do - right now, or even at tomorrow's dinner table:</div><div><ol><li><b><a href="https://secure3.convio.net/cafbtx/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&amp;page=UserAction&amp;id=149&amp;__utma=1.346950830.1258066118.1258066118.1259166300.2&amp;__utmb=1.1.10.1259166300&amp;__utmc=1&amp;__utmx=-&amp;__utmz=1.1258066118.1.1.utmcsr=(direct)|utmccn=(direct)|utmcmd=(none)&amp;__utmv=-&amp;__utmk=123133579">Contact your local legislators.</a></b> Sound daunting? It's not. <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/cafbtx/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&amp;page=UserAction&amp;id=149&amp;__utma=1.346950830.1258066118.1258066118.1259166300.2&amp;__utmb=1.1.10.1259166300&amp;__utmc=1&amp;__utmx=-&amp;__utmz=1.1258066118.1.1.utmcsr=(direct)|utmccn=(direct)|utmcmd=(none)&amp;__utmv=-&amp;__utmk=123133579">Simply click here</a> to sign a letter asking your state legislator to make hunger a priority in Texas. Better yet, have every one at your table sign one. This one act may make more of a difference than a week of volunteering.</li><li><b><a href="http://endhungerintex.org/banks.asp">Donate to your local food bank.</a></b> Got cans? Great. Got cash? Better. Although nothing beats the warm feeling of collecting cans for the hungry, in reality your local food bank can do a lot more <a href="http://endhungerintex.org/banks.asp">with your dollar</a>.</li><li><b><a href="http://www.hungeractioncenter.org/default.aspx">Join the movement.</a></b> If you believe that hunger is unacceptable in a state as great as Texas, then sign up for Feeding America's <a href="http://www.hungeractioncenter.org/default.aspx">Hunger Action Center</a>. You'll learn a lot about the problem, and get a very occasional email asking you to lend your voice to the cause. </li></ol>That's it! </div><div><br /></div><div>Hunger truly is a massive problem in Texas, and ending it will require a massive, joint response from individuals, businesses and public institutions - but you've just taken your first step. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy your turkey. </div><div> </div></div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-17379572418759730042009-07-20T08:49:00.010-05:002009-07-20T10:38:33.377-05:00Nutrition Programs Can Encourage Healthy Eating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SmSJJQUdg_I/AAAAAAAAAuk/eVhmr-Kd028/s1600-h/farmermarket.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SmSJJQUdg_I/AAAAAAAAAuk/eVhmr-Kd028/s400/farmermarket.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360560248570348530" /></a>As debate on Child Nutrition Reauthorization begins to heat up the halls of Congress (and <a href="http://texansagainsthunger.blogspot.com/2009/07/texas-food-banks-call-for-change-to.html">the blogosphere</a>), many questions are being raised about the role of the federal nutrition programs in fostering healthy eating.<br /><br />The truth is, existing federal programs appear to have very little to do with eating habits. Years of research on the effects of SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) on diet <a href="http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/February06/Features/feature4.htm">concluded</a> that SNAP participants eat more (as is the point of the program), but not very differently from their neighbors.<br /><br />Likewise, a <a href="http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/CCR55/CCR55.pdf">new USDA report</a> released last week concludes that participation in the federal school meals programs is "not significantly related" to students' waistlines. <div><br /></div><div>But just because these programs "do no harm" doesn't mean they can't be leveraged to improve public health. <div><br /></div><div>For example, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/20/us/20market.html?hpw">today's New York Times</a> examines the growth in the use of SNAP benefits at farmers' markets across the country. And here in Texas, a new federal program is bringing farmers' market coupons to low-income elderly in Witchita Falls (<a href="http://www.kauz.com/news/local/49114622.html">1</a>, <a href="http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2009/jun/25/farmers-market-to-give-fresh-veggies-to-seniors/">2</a>) among other cities.<div><br /></div><div>Child Nutrition Reauthorization gives us a chance to re-write the rules for school meals and other programs to improve our children's diets. You can get involved by learning <a href="http://texansagainsthunger.blogspot.com/2009/07/texas-food-banks-call-for-change-to.html">what we think needs to change</a>, then <a href="http://www.hungeractioncenter.org/composeletters.aspx?AlertID=98">signing up</a> to help us change it!<br /><br /></div></div></div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-67617559421729236362009-07-09T09:23:00.014-05:002009-07-24T16:34:47.787-05:00Texas Food Banks Call for Changes to Child Nutrition Programs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SlYA2rEeVTI/AAAAAAAAAuc/IP08SsAEJtU/s1600-h/scaled.0709_met_LUNCHES06_t651.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SlYA2rEeVTI/AAAAAAAAAuc/IP08SsAEJtU/s400/scaled.0709_met_LUNCHES06_t651.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356469746078209330" /></a>During the 2008 campaign, Barack Obama <a href="http://obama.3cdn.net/c4b14802fd5e66ee67_xum6bn6nu.pdf">announced a goal</a> of ending childhood hunger in America by the year 2015. Since then, recession, health care and other issues have taken the national stage, but this goal is still achievable!<div><br /></div><div>Texas has the highest rate of children facing hunger in the nation – 22%. This year, Congress is scheduled to rewrite some of the key programs affecting the nutrition of Texas children. The <a href="http://endhungerintex.org/">Texas Food Bank Network</a> has agreed on a set of detailed policy changes to achieve this goal:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>National School Lunch Program (NSLP)<br /></b>After SNAP (formerly Food Stamps), school lunch is the largest anti-hunger program in the country, and a potent lever for changing the way children learn about food and healthy habits. Unfortunately, school lunch in Texas doesn’t reach all the children who need it due to stigma and difficulty enrolling eligible families. Food quality also suffers due to low reimbursement rates, competitive junk foods outside the cafeteria, a thicket of conflicting nutrition rules and a general feeling that school lunch is “welfare food.” Congress can improve the NSLP by:<br /><ul><li>Forcing competitive foods to meet the same science-based standards as cafeteria food (<a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-934">S.934 / H.R.1324</a>)</li><li>Eliminating the "reduced price" lunch category to cut red tape and feed more children</li><li>Making the successful Philadelphia "Universal Free" model a national option (<a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-1226">S. 1226 / H.R. 2803</a>)</li><li>Improving direct certification through other programs to save paperwork &amp; enroll more eligible families (<a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-1343">S. 1343</a>)</li><li>Simplifying nutrition standards to allow for local food sourcing &amp; more commonsense rules</li></ul><b>School Breakfast<br /></b>School breakfast provides nutrition early in the day, when it is needed most for learning, and contributes to better behavior in the classroom. Unfortunately, participation in school breakfast in Texas is low due to stigma, and the difficulty in getting to school early before buses run. Congress can improve school breakfast participation by:<br /><ul><li>Encouraging the adoption of universal breakfast, as Texas has done (<a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-3277">H.R. 3277 / S. 1480</a>)</li><li>Promoting the use of in-class breakfast programs (<a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-3277">H.R. 3277 / S. 1480</a>)</li></ul><b>Supplemental Program for Women, Infants &amp; Children (WIC)</b><br />WIC provides new &amp; expectant mothers with nutritionist-approved food vital for early childhood development. Unfortunately, WIC is a discretionary program, and so annual funding routinely falls behind rising food prices and expanding caseloads in tough economic times. This makes it difficult for caseworkers to advertise slots that may not exist in the next fiscal year. Congress can improve WIC by:<br /><ul><li>Appropriating enough funding in the FY 2010 budget to meet the growing need</li><li>Excluding combat pay from income for the purposes of determining eligibility (<a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-581">S.581</a>)</li></ul><b>Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP)</b><br />CACFP reimburses community organizations like food banks for providing after-school meals in settings that include tutoring, physical activity &amp; nutrition education. Unfortunately, smaller organizations have difficulty meeting the program requirements using the small “snack” reimbursement, which is the highest reimbursement available in 44 states. Congress can improve CACFP by:<br /><ul><li>Bringing the higher "supper" reimbursement option nationwide (<a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-990">S.990</a>/<a href="http://bit.ly/YQvQU">H.R. 3321</a>)</li><li>Encouraging data-sharing between CACFP sponsors and local school districts</li></ul><b>Summer Nutrition Programs</b><br />The summer nutrition programs recognize that hunger doesn’t take a vacation, and hungry children are missing school meals when school is out. Unfortunately, participation is very low in Texas, due to inconsistent outreach and a lack of organizations willing to sponsor sites. Congress can help more organizations sponsor sites by:<br /><ul><li>Increasing reimbursement levels and and assisting in rural transportation costs</li><li>Reducing sponsor paperwork where possible</li><li>Decreasing area eligibility from 50% of the poverty line to 40% (<a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-540">H.R. 540</a>)</li></ul><div>These programs are the front-line in the fight against child hunger in Texas, and changing them will be vital to its elimination. <a href="http://www.hungeractioncenter.org/register.aspx">Sign up now to find out how you can help!</a></div></div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-45588880926248388082009-07-06T13:57:00.006-05:002009-07-06T14:13:40.183-05:00Need For Summer Meals Soaring in East Texas<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.cbs19.tv/global/video/videoplayer.js?rnd=584079;hostDomain=www.cbs19.tv;playerWidth=350;isShowIcon=true;clipId=3917135;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript"></script><div><b>Video -</b> Summer Meals sites funded by the USDA and provided by the <a href="http://easttexasfoodbank.org/">East Texas Food Bank</a> have had to expand to accomodate all the children in families hit hard by the recession. </div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-87904708023397952632009-07-01T15:19:00.003-05:002009-07-01T15:24:28.603-05:00Three New Reports Focus Attention on Child Hunger<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SkvFuXbcAvI/AAAAAAAAAuU/O1V5O6vFUA4/s1600-h/Kids_Cafe_activity.PNG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SkvFuXbcAvI/AAAAAAAAAuU/O1V5O6vFUA4/s400/Kids_Cafe_activity.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353589982413718258" /></a><div>Three national organizations released reports focused on child hunger today, detailing the extent, economic costs, and potential solutions to the problem. Texas has the highest rate of child hunger of all states, according to Census data, with one in five children facing food insecurity. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://feedingamerica.org/">Feeding America</a>, the national network of food banks, released <a href="http://feedingamerica.org/newsroom/press-release-archive/economy-child-hunger.aspx">a report</a> detailing the costs of child hunger to the economy. Arguing that the direct and indirect effect of child hunger in the U.S. is a contributing factor to the nation’s economic woes and puts America at a competitive disadvantage, the paper articulates the lifelong consequences child food insecurity has on individuals and families. </div><div><br /></div><div>“While one in five Texas children remain at risk of hunger, a significant portion of Texans will face lowered academic achievement, reduced productivity, and escalating health care costs for years to come,” said Texas Food Bank Network State Director Barbara Anderson. “This will hinder economic growth and affect all Texans, not just the neediest.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Two other reports were also released today. One, from the <a href="http://frac.org/">Food Research and Action Center</a> (FRAC) contained <a href="http://frac.org/news/2015.htm">a blueprint</a> for achieving President Obama’s campaign goal of ending domestic child hunger by 2015. The other, a report by the <a href="http://www.cfpa.net/">California Food Policy Advocates</a>, details that state’s experience with the federal Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which also provides meals in Texas, as a well as a national perspective on the importance of SFSP. </div><div><br /></div><div>The FRAC report boldly calls on the nation to end childhood hunger through a mix of economic growth focused on lower-income workers, strengthening proven anti-hunger programs, and making sure all families have convenient access to reasonably priced, healthy food. The Federal Child Nutrition Programs central to this strategy will be reauthorized by Congress this year. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Texas Food Bank Network, whose members serve every Texas county, estimated serving over 900,000 hungry children in the last year. </div><div><br /></div><div>“As long as there are hungry children in Texas, our state will not be able to achieve its full potential,” said Texas Food Bank Network Policy Coordinator JC Dwyer. “These reports show us the terrible consequences of continuing to allow this problem to exist, but also provide us a way to stop it. With the help of Congress and state and local leaders, we can end child hunger in Texas.” </div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-61063374034705695842009-06-15T11:44:00.010-05:002009-06-15T12:31:30.632-05:00Hunger Doesn't Take a Vacation: Summer Programs Strain to Feed Newly Hungry Texas Kids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SjaE5i8JJ8I/AAAAAAAAAuM/TVYC9eIIyuI/s1600-h/Children+at+picnic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SjaE5i8JJ8I/AAAAAAAAAuM/TVYC9eIIyuI/s400/Children+at+picnic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347607731715516354" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Last week, USA Today reported on the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-06-10-student-lunches_N.htm">skyrocketing number</a> of children who have become eligible for free school lunches as a result of the recession.</div><div><br /></div><div>While these children are on summer break, advocates wonder whether Summer Meals, a federally-funded program available in Texas, will be able to take up the slack. </div><div><br /></div><div>The program, which can be offered to hungry children by school districts, municipalities, or nonprofits, is reimbursed by USDA and may be offered in a variety of formats. Food banks in <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/6467715.html#none">Houston</a>, <a href="http://www.tylerpaper.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090610/NEWS01/906100318">Tyler</a>, <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2009/jun/10/north-texas-food-bank-provide-food-4-kids-variety-/?refscroll=0">Dallas</a>, <a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/arlington_news/story/1427165.html">Ft. Worth</a> and <a href="http://www.oaoa.com/news/kids-32224-fed-keeping.html">Odessa</a> have all launched innovative efforts designed to address hunger when school is out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Summer Meal's biggest booster may be Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, who traveled the state last week to drum up attention for the program (<a href="http://news8austin.com/content/your_news/?SecID=278&amp;ArID=242865">1</a>, <a href="http://www.ntxe-news.com/artman/publish/article_54963.shtml">2</a>, <a href="http://www.texasagriculture.gov/agr/media/media_render/0,1460,1848_17053_31059_0,00.html">3</a>, <a href="http://www.kvue.com/news/top/stories/060909kvue_mayor_food_challenge-cb.63a5b375.html">4</a>) while personally issuing a challenge to all Texas mayors on <a href="http://commissionertoddstaples.blogspot.com/2009/06/challenge-for-texas-mayors-to-feed-more.html">his blog</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>"The mayors of Texas are in a position to improve the lives of children in their cities by generating awareness and working with organizations to help feed hungry children," said Staples. "I hope today spurs a change."</div><div><br /></div><div>San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro <a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/columnists/carlos_guerra/47968491.html">agreed</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>"In the richest nation in the world, no child should go hungry," he said. "We need to make sure the kids are not victims of a bad economy."</div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-48298220773820195162009-05-13T10:41:00.007-05:002009-05-13T11:02:10.153-05:00TX Lege OKs New Program for Hungry Kids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/Sgrrwc9aA-I/AAAAAAAAAt8/XdnA6L5l1sQ/s1600-h/64742_512.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/Sgrrwc9aA-I/AAAAAAAAAt8/XdnA6L5l1sQ/s400/64742_512.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335335926213772258" /></a>Yesterday, by unanimous vote, the Texas Senate approved <a href="http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=81R&amp;Bill=HB1622">HB 1622</a> for passage. The bill, which creates a program to distribute healthy foods to children at-risk of hunger and obesity, was also passed by a nearly unanimous House and is likely to be signed by Governor Perry. <div><br /></div><div>"I am feeling wonderful," <a href="http://www.amarillo.com/stories/051309/new_news13.shtml">said</a> Rep. Helen Giddings, D-Dallas, one of the bill's authors. "We are going to be able to help so many children who are food insecure. This is just marvelous."<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The new program still faces obstacles. Funding must be found in the state budget before June 1st to support the $20 million request. This decision will test the commitment of the legislature to childhood nutrition. </div><div><br /></div><div>"We're struggling to keep up with the demand and I expect that it's going to continue," <a href="http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/051309/loc_439182598.shtml">commented</a> David Weaver, Director of the South Plains Food Bank in Lubbock. "We need all the help we can get."<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You can help make this bill a reality! Please call your <a href="http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/">state legislators</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">today</span> and ask them to outwardly support full funding for the food bank bill, HB 1622!</div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-25607844944731450522009-05-08T10:59:00.010-05:002009-05-12T11:45:45.512-05:00Texas #1 in Child Hunger - Legislature Reacts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SgRZBlKHiMI/AAAAAAAAAt0/3ztbBCDllk0/s1600-h/wht+boy+holding+ice+cream_cropped.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SgRZBlKHiMI/AAAAAAAAAt0/3ztbBCDllk0/s200/wht+boy+holding+ice+cream_cropped.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333485742402799810" /></a>Yesterday the national group Feeding America released <a href="http://feedingamerica.org/our-network/the-studies/child-food-insecurity.aspx?__utma=1.3236354299519587000.1241798701.1241798701.1241798701.1&amp;__utmb=1.2.9.1241798717479&amp;__utmc=1&amp;__utmx=-&amp;__utmz=1.1241798701.1.1.utmcsr=(direct)|utmccn=(direct)|utmcmd=(none)&amp;__utmv=-&amp;__utmk=35035297">newly calculated Census data</a> revealing that 22.1% of Texas children live in households facing hunger, the highest rate in the nation.<br /><br />In response, State Senator Judith Zaffirini and Representative Helen Giddings have introduced <a href="http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=81R&amp;Bill=HB1622">a bill</a> that would help food banks provide healthy foods to at-risk children. The bill passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee this week.<br /><br />“This legislation can help us combat the growing crisis of hunger among Texas youth by providing access to food choices that are vital for nutrition education and behavioral change," said Zaffirini in a statement. "What’s more, it would support and extend existing efforts by nonprofit agencies.”<br /><br />The Texas bill, HB 1622 would address the problem by distributing healthy staples among existing networks maintained by food banks statewide.<br /><br />“The passage of House Bill 1622 would go a long way to help get healthy food to children who are food-insecure, the children who linger in the school cafeteria and look for leftovers, those that return to school on Monday tired and weak from a weekend of undernourishment,” Eric Cooper, director of the San Antonio Food Bank <a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/state/Hunger_rate_among_Texas_kids_is_highest_in_US.html">told the Express News</a>.<br /><br />Legislators are meeting this week to decide the fate of the bill. You can tell your state legislator to support the bill <a href="http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/">here</a>!<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">More coverage: <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/washington/6412559.html">Houston</a>, <a href="http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2009/may/07/17-percent-us-children-under-5-may-face-hunger/">Wichita Falls</a>, Tyler (</span><a href="http://www.ketknbc.com/news/texas-has-highest-child-starvation-rate"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">1</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">,</span><a href="http://www.cbs19.tv/Global/story.asp?s=10331349"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">2</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">), </span><a href="http://www.statesman.com/search/content/news/stories/nation/05/08/0508hunger.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Austin</span></a></div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-4201657449099204032009-05-04T09:53:00.011-05:002009-05-04T15:37:42.184-05:00New Funds, Public & Private, Feed Growing Hungry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/Sf9QIe9C8MI/AAAAAAAAAts/zO4NIWGpUsU/s1600-h/lat+boy+with+plate+of+spagetti.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/Sf9QIe9C8MI/AAAAAAAAAts/zO4NIWGpUsU/s200/lat+boy+with+plate+of+spagetti.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332068590508241090" /></a>As the economy falters and the number of hungry Texans rises, funding from both the public and private sectors is rushing to fill the gaps.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Private giving for food banks is up nationwide, according to <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/sharing/2009-05-03-foodbanks_N.htm">USA Today</a>. In Tyler, the number of donors to the East Texas Food Bank is up 115%, and their average gift increased from $49.66 to $56.37. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anonymous giving is also up, a trend exemplified by a recent $1 million anonymous donation to the North Texas Food Bank. “[The donor] said she would not have been able to look herself in the mirror over the holidays had she not made the gift,” <a href="http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=8063">said</a> Jan Pruitt, the food bank’s CEO.</div><div><br /></div><div>Government programs are following suit by making new investments in programs proven to feed children and the elderly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Texas TDA Commissioner Todd Staples recently announced the use of $11 million in federal stimulus money to <a href="http://www.hpj.com/archives/2009/apr09/apr27/CommissionerStaplestoaward1.cfm?title=Commissioner%20Staples%20to%20award%20">retrofit school kitchens</a>, making it easier to deliver healthy meals to children through the free and reduced-price lunch program. </div><div><br /></div><div>Soon thereafter, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $124,000 in federal grants to <a href="http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_2KD?contentidonly=true&amp;contentid=2009/04/0134.xml">encourage the use of farmers' markets</a> by low-income seniors in Texas this summer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even judges are <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/041909dnmetfoodcourt.429cdaa.html">getting into the act</a>, allowing probationers to donate food rather than perform community service. "What better way to help the community than by feeding people?" asked corrections officer Bob Hughes.</div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-55591965198666871092009-04-24T15:17:00.016-05:002009-04-24T15:44:11.300-05:00One in Four Houstonites Cutting Back on Groceries<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SfIhuyRQwRI/AAAAAAAAAtk/tFXhG1QByfk/s1600-h/260xStory.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 20px 5px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SfIhuyRQwRI/AAAAAAAAAtk/tFXhG1QByfk/s200/260xStory.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328358396784591122" /></a>A new survey by the Houston Center for Public Policy details the economic situation facing Houston-area families. Notably:<ul><li>44% of respondents said the economy was the city's most serious problem, up from 15% the previous year. <br /></li><li>25% admitted having trouble buying groceries to feed their families.</li></ul>The results dovetail with the increased demand experienced by local food charities. <div><br /></div><div>According to Brian Greene, CEO of the Houston Food Bank, unemployment often forces families to cut budgets where they can, while monthly costs like rent, utilities and car payments remain fixed. </div><div><br /></div><div>“Food is one of the few flexible areas” in the family budget, Greene told the <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6380669.html">Houston Chronicle</a> in response to the survey's findings.</div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-55350474605348841892009-04-20T11:25:00.007-05:002009-04-20T11:40:30.993-05:00Hunters, Supermarkets Provide Protein to Struggling Food Banks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SeyiMYLAjxI/AAAAAAAAAtc/wn48s0owkls/s1600-h/64102_512.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SeyiMYLAjxI/AAAAAAAAAtc/wn48s0owkls/s400/64102_512.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326810792803208978" /></a>Responding to rising levels of need, two private groups stepped forward last week to assist Texas food banks in their struggle against hunger.<div><ul><li>In the Amarillo region, United Supermarkets <a href="http://www.amarillo.com/stories/041709/new_news3.shtml">partnered</a> with the High Plains Food Bank to donate meat and other perishables. United estimates it will provide 5,000 lbs./month to the food bank, which is seeing <a href="http://www.newschannel10.com/Global/story.asp?S=9701518&amp;nav=menu429_2">double the number of families</a> it fed at this time last year. "[It] couldn't have come at a better time," said a food bank spokesperson.<br /></li><li>Hunters in South Texas are <a href="http://www.lmtonline.com/articles/2009/04/13/news/doc49e2d827a5e62365594773.txt">firing up their participation</a> in Hunters for the Hungry, a group that promotes the donation of harvested deer statewide. "Times are difficult," said one hunter. "And there are a lot of hungry people who could use all that venison."</li></ul></div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-28049691567994998502009-04-17T08:23:00.005-05:002009-04-17T11:02:08.422-05:00State: Feeding New Hungry like "Drinking from a Firehose"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/Sein2wyvR4I/AAAAAAAAAtU/sDXc62XKoYE/s1600-h/LoneStar.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 138px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/Sein2wyvR4I/AAAAAAAAAtU/sDXc62XKoYE/s200/LoneStar.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325691118618101634" /></a>Facing rapidly rising need, state officials have announced a temporary halt to the expansion of TIERS, a new system for processing SNAP benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps). <div><br /></div><div>“It’s tough to make any changes when you’re drinking from a fire hose,” <a href="http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/politics/entries/2009/04/09/texas_overwhelmed_by_food_stam.html">said</a> Stephanie Goodman, a spokesman for the state.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Nearly 3 million Texans are now receiving SNAP benefits, <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6367006.html">up 20%</a> from the same time last year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Advocates and legislators approved of the halt. Many have been critical of the system, which has documented problems with lost paperwork and timeliness. "We cannot have a situation where technical glitches hold up food and medical care for hard working mothers and families in our area," <a href="http://www.kdbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10159603&amp;nav=menu608_2_3">said</a> Rep. Abel Herrero (D-Robstown).</div><div><br /></div><div>HHSC has had "some challenges in achieving the timeliness benchmarks," <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-tiers_10tex.ART.State.Edition2.4abea62.html">admitted</a> HHSC Commissioner Albert Hawkins. The deteriorating economy has just added more stress to the rollout of this new system. <br /></div><div><br /></div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-36161263216235131132009-04-16T10:41:00.000-05:002009-04-16T10:44:37.556-05:00Video: Hunger on the Rise in Central Texas<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" width="320" height="305" id="embeddedplayer"><param name="movie" value="http://usat.gannett.a.mms.mavenapps.net/mms/rt/1/site/gannett-usatoday-206-pub01-live/current/immersiveproduction/immersive/client/embedded/embedded.swf"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="scale" value="noscale"><param name="salign" value="LT"><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"><param name="wmode" value="window"><param name="FlashVars" value="playerId=immersiveproduction&amp;referralObject=1088899745&amp;referralPlaylistId=playlist"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://usat.gannett.a.mms.mavenapps.net/mms/rt/1/site/gannett-usatoday-206-pub01-live/current/immersiveproduction/immersive/client/embedded/embedded.swf" id="embeddedplayer" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" menu="false" quality="high" play="false" name="immersiveproduction" height="305" width="320" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" scale="noscale" salign="LT" bgcolor="#000000" wmode="window" flashvars="playerId=immersiveproduction&amp;referralObject=1088899745&amp;referralPlaylistId=playlist"></embed></object>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-58331827755324104882009-04-09T06:30:00.001-05:002009-04-09T06:30:00.403-05:00Stimulus Money Reaching Hungry Texans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SdvBIyjQYYI/AAAAAAAAAtM/iyN4MFcTgX8/s1600-h/i03471.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SdvBIyjQYYI/AAAAAAAAAtM/iyN4MFcTgX8/s200/i03471.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322059741421134210" /></a>Starting this month, the nearly three million Texans who rely on SNAP benefits (previously known as Food Stamps) will receive a 13.6% boost in those benefits to help feed their families. <div><br /></div><div>As a result of federal stimulus dollars now reaching Texas, families are seeing an average boost to their benefits of $38. </div><div><br /></div><div>"You have to make every penny count," <a href="http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/local/federal_stimulus_boosts_food_assistance__unemployment_benefits_04-06-2009.html">said Beaumont mother Monique Bendy</a>. "This will help in so many ways." </div><div><br /></div><div>Half of the Texans benefiting from SNAP are children.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>SNAP is widely seen by economists as one of the most effective means of stimulus, both because of the efficiency of benefit delivery, and the speed at which benefits are spent locally. </div><div><br /></div><div>"That money is spent almost immediately. People aren't saving that money," <a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/Relief_hitting_pocketbooks.html">said Don Baylor</a>, policy analyst at Austin's <a href="http://www.cppp.org/">Center on Public Policy Priorities</a>. "People buy bread. That creates jobs at the supermarket, and the chain goes on."<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Economists estimate that for every dollar in SNAP benefits spent in Texas, the state will see $1.73 in economic activity, resulting in local job growth. </div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-32311421543420860742009-04-06T06:38:00.001-05:002009-04-06T06:38:00.412-05:00State Stats: Texas Hunger at New Plateau<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SdZoR9364DI/AAAAAAAAAtE/Fc8A3WC5vUU/s1600-h/fs_april.PNG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 201px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SdZoR9364DI/AAAAAAAAAtE/Fc8A3WC5vUU/s400/fs_april.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320554667660992562" /></a>For weeks, anecdotal evidence across Texas has suggested a rise in the number of families facing hunger. Food Banks have appealed for public help, describing the situation as "<a href="http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2009/03/30/story8.html">critical</a>" in North Texas and "<a href="http://www.pro8news.com/news/local/41956207.html">overwhelming</a>" in South Texas. In East Texas, a man was caught <a href="http://www.theeagle.com/local/Officers--Man-said-he-burgled-for-food">burgling for food</a>. <div><br /></div><div>Now, public numbers have given added weight to these stories. As reported last week by Reuters, <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090402/us_nm/us_hunger_usa">1 in 10 Americans</a> is now using the SNAP program (previously known as Food Stamps) to feed their families. Texas has the highest number of SNAP recipients at 2.8 million - half of whom are children.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the past three months, policy analysts have watched as Texas SNAP numbers fell, a result of families no longer needing emergency relief from Hurricane Ike. This trend slowed in February, and has now reversed - more than 39,000 Texans entered the program in March (see graph). It now appears that Texas has reached a new plateau of need. </div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-68462982314881868412009-04-02T11:18:00.012-05:002009-04-02T11:53:57.031-05:00Recession Reduces Healthy Eating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SdTqI32XkOI/AAAAAAAAAs8/LlNUBiItQWI/s1600-h/hands+sorting+apples.PNG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SdTqI32XkOI/AAAAAAAAAs8/LlNUBiItQWI/s400/hands+sorting+apples.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320134497983238370" /></a>New research finds that families faced with high prices and rising unemployment are cutting back on the quality of their meals. <div><br /></div><div>A February survey conducted by Multi-Sponsor Surveys found that <a href="http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&amp;art_aid=103226">40% of Americans are eating less nutritious food</a>. The effect was most pronounced among families hit hardest by the recession: those who self-identified as "down and out" or "on the edge." <br /><div><br /></div><div>Confirming this study, a national industry group reported <a href="http://www.foodpolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/united-fresh-quarterly-produce-review-q4-final.pdf">a 3.6% drop in sales of fruits and vegetables</a> in the final months of 2008. </div><div><br /></div><div>Texas families are also stretching their paychecks to eat. Many low-income families are making the difficult decision to sacrifice quality before quantity - essentially mortgaging long-term health against the immediate need to eat. Help bring more healthy foods to Texas children! Ask <a href="http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/">your representatives</a> to support <a href="http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=81R&amp;Bill=SB944">SB 944 / HB 1622</a>.</div></div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-84492769257521524612009-03-26T14:35:00.010-05:002009-03-26T15:22:42.258-05:00With Mom and Dad Downsized, Texas Kids Suffer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/Scvd9fxmb3I/AAAAAAAAAss/T-limTAmlYc/s1600-h/260xStory.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 173px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/Scvd9fxmb3I/AAAAAAAAAss/T-limTAmlYc/s320/260xStory.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317587833612300146" /></a>The sinking economy isn't just affecting the Texas workforce - it's also affecting their children. <br /><div><br /></div><div>According to the state, the number of Texas children qualifying for federally subsidized school lunches <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6311512.html">jumped 5%</a> in the last year. Many more recently unemployed parents may be unaware of the program. <div><br /></div><div>“Schools absolutely should be more proactive about it,” said Celia Hagert, a senior policy analyst with the Austin-based <a href="http://www.cppp.org/">Center for Public Policy Priorities</a>. “That could be a big boost for a family. If they’re struggling and can get breakfast and lunch for free, that’s a huge weight off their shoulders.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Officials are also seeing an increase in the number of homeless children. <a href="http://www.newschannel10.com/global/story.asp?s=9983839">Over 300,000</a> Texas children are currently homeless - more than any other state. "We are literally seeing our future generations living on the streets," said Amarillo food banker Zack Wilson.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Families with children will receive a small measure of relief in April, when federal stimulus funds increase the average SNAP/food stamps allotment <a href="http://www.statesman.com/search/content/news/stories/local/03/08/0308foodstamps.html">by $38</a>. Efforts are ongoing to create a new program to feed children healthy foods after school and on weekends - <a href="http://texansagainsthunger.blogspot.com/2009/02/sb-944-help-feed-texas-children.html">see how you can help</a>!</div></div></div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-12918712708016892392009-03-13T12:03:00.004-05:002009-03-13T12:08:44.976-05:00"What He Gets Here Is His Dinner"<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IeDMKg2UB8c&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IeDMKg2UB8c&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />This great video from the <a href="http://www.austinfoodbank.org/">Capital Area Food Bank</a> in Austin captures the faces of child hunger in Texas, and one of the key programs fighting it - Kids Cafe.<br /><br />Kids Cafe and programs like it would directly benefit from the passage of <a href="http://texansagainsthunger.blogspot.com/2009/02/sb-944-help-feed-texas-children.html">Texas Senate Bill 944 / House Bill 1622</a>.jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-60911011803711748752009-03-12T09:31:00.011-05:002009-03-12T10:26:09.425-05:0032 Million on Food Stamps - and 1 in 11 is Texan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/Sbkn7gGZYfI/AAAAAAAAAsk/JPl1HD_9r74/s1600-h/Food_Stamp_Demand.ogg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/Sbkn7gGZYfI/AAAAAAAAAsk/JPl1HD_9r74/s400/Food_Stamp_Demand.ogg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312321138642739698" /></a>New numbers show a record number of Americans - nearly <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE52478R20090305">32 million</a> - turning to the SNAP program (aka Food Stamps) to feed their families. <div><br /></div><div>One in eleven of these lives in Texas - and anecdotal evidence suggests the need is growing.<div><div><ul><li>SNAP offices in <a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/metro_news/story/1212447.html">Fort Worth</a> are seeing a "dramatic increase" in applicants. "What we saw in January we believe could be our first wave, but it’s only one month of data," said a spokesperson.</li><li>Offices in <a href="http://www.pro8news.com/news/local/40694552.html">Laredo</a> are being flooded with requests. “We have people literally like this. Lines from the windows back as far as our restroom doors,” said office manager Terri Werth.</li><li>Officials estimate that only 67% of those eligible are receiving the benefit, translating to lost federal aid - as much as $173 million in cities like <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2009/mar/10/dallas-county-missing-out-revenue-food-assistance-/">Dallas</a>. </li></ul><div>Sitll, aggregate statewide numbers show a recent downward trend. March data from HHSC reports 400,000 fewer individuals receiving benefits since November, when Hurrican Ike generated a spike in need. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, experts point out these numbers are still 200,000 higher than six months ago. Many believe the recent drop can be credited to Ike families leaving the program - while the long-term need continues to inch upward.</div></div></div></div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-59562414880287622272009-03-11T10:44:00.003-05:002009-03-11T11:12:53.029-05:00Texas Unemployment Rate Now 6.4%<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SbfgxnXPDWI/AAAAAAAAAsc/d2ZNt71EBow/s1600-h/unemployment2.PNG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 235px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SbfgxnXPDWI/AAAAAAAAAsc/d2ZNt71EBow/s400/unemployment2.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311961428491439458" /></a>Today the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics <a href="http://www.bls.gov/news.release/laus.nr0.htm">confirmed</a> the January unemployment rates <a href="http://www.twc.state.tx.us/news/press/2009/030509epress.pdf">released last week</a> by the Texas Workforce Commission. <div><br /></div><div>As feared, 6.4% of Texans were unemployed in January, up half a percentage point from the month previous. </div><div><br /></div><div>Social service agencies are straining under the weight of increased need, and many are waiting on federal stimulus funds for relief. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stimulus money is already <a href="http://www.newschannel10.com/Global/story.asp?S=9974777">supporting farm sector employment</a> in the Texas Panhandle. <a href="http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/stakeholder/March_April09/art_1.html">According to HHSC</a>, the stimulus funds will also help the rising number of hungry Texans, who will see a 13.6% increase in SNAP (aka Food Stamps) benefits next month. In addition to feeding newly hungry families, these funds will drive job growth in the agricultural and food retail sectors. </div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-43209098030246905842009-02-27T11:12:00.007-06:002009-02-27T11:30:29.627-06:00Lubbock: Gardens Against Hunger Growing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SaggjmGtFtI/AAAAAAAAAsU/uM2Ndi7juKw/s1600-h/388311449.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SaggjmGtFtI/AAAAAAAAAsU/uM2Ndi7juKw/s400/388311449.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307527956752307922" /></a>A rising number of Lubbock residents, stung by high food prices and the deepening recession, are turning to their backyards for nutrition. <div><br /></div><div>"Any kind of seed I can get my hands on, I'll be planting," <a href="http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/021609/loc_388311353.shtml">said</a> resident Sherry Pullen, who has grown several different kinds of beans and vegetables to supplement her economical diet.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The South Plains Food Bank, which recently reported a <a href="http://texansagainsthunger.blogspot.com/2009/02/stretched-in-west-texas-one-paycheck.html">36% increase in demand</a> for its Kids Cafe program, is capitalizing on the trend with a 5-acre youth garden designed to supplement the canned food available at its warehouse with between 90,000 and 150,000 pounds of produce annually.</div><div><br /></div><div>Roy Riddle, the garden's land manager, pointed out the irony of such hunger in a land of plenty. </div><div><br /></div><div>"We're sitting here in the middle of 5 million acres of farmland and we don't even grow enough to feed the people of Lubbock," he said.<br /></div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-4757216522110765722009-02-25T16:00:00.007-06:002009-02-25T16:23:18.850-06:00How to End U.S. Hunger<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/good_day/021809_Solving_Hunger"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SaXBzC63_hI/AAAAAAAAAsM/TbAIudFDGn4/s320/hunger.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306860818627296786" /></a>This week, Texas played host to <a href="http://joelberg.net/">Joel Berg</a>, a nationally recognized hunger expert and Executive Director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger. Berg's new book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-You-Can-Eat-America/dp/1583228543">All You Can Eat</a>" is a blueprint for solving domestic hunger. <div><br /></div><div>"LBJ's war on poverty actually cut poverty in half," Berg told an <a href="http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/good_day/021809_Solving_Hunger">Austin TV audience</a>. "When government takes on this problem it can have results."</div><div><br /></div><div>Berg's appearances in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas promoted local food banks in addition to spreading his message of government leadership to end hunger. </div><div><br /></div><div>"Trying to solve [U.S. hunger] with canned food drives alone is like trying to fill the Grand Canyon with a teaspoon," said Berg. "People have to call their elected officials and get them on the stick to solve this problem."</div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957722446980974294.post-15181189658551955552009-02-23T08:20:00.010-06:002009-03-26T15:17:14.585-05:00SB 944 / HB 1622 - Help Feed Texas Children<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SaK1kPHwEFI/AAAAAAAAAsE/sjrK1Hoa0Es/s1600-h/blk+girl+toddler+with+food.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f_WiR8Hrv3Q/SaK1kPHwEFI/AAAAAAAAAsE/sjrK1Hoa0Es/s200/blk+girl+toddler+with+food.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306002945134825554" /></a>As the recession deepens and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/20/nyregion/20food.html?bl&amp;ex=1235192400&amp;en=1940fa97be5bac75&amp;ei=5087%0A">lines for help grow</a>, charities face an impossible choice: reduce the quantity of food given to each family, or cut quality?<div><br /></div><div>This same choice, vexing thousands of Texas families, has led to a paradoxical rise in both child hunger and child obesity statewide. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last week, State Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) stepped forward to address the problem. <a href="http://is.gd/kxI7">SB 944</a>, filed by Zaffirini on Thursday (and filed later in the House as HB 1622), outlines a solution to provide Texas children at risk of both hunger and obesity with access to healthy food. </div><div><br /></div><div>The bill supplements existing state efforts to address child obesity through nutrition education and physical activity, providing the crucial "third leg" of access to families who cannot afford healthy options. </div><div><br /></div><div>The program will direct free, healthy food to needy families through existing systems (food banks, Kids Cafes, food pantries etc.) in order to avoid prohibitive administration &amp; start-up costs. 100% of the money provided by the bill will be used to purchase nutritious food for children. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now more than ever, it is crucial for Texas to <a href="http://texansagainsthunger.blogspot.com/2009/01/legislature-get-back-to-basics-for.html">focus on the basics</a>. What could be more basic than good food for our children?</div><div><br /></div><div>Help make this bill a reality! Write <a href="http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/">your state legislator</a> today and ask them to invest in the health of Texas children through <a href="http://is.gd/kxI7">SB 944/HB 1622</a>.</div>jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13494554283871023598noreply@blogger.com0